The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-06-17

nlellr, tIe would be apt to designate a charac-
ter best suited to the face, figure and powers
of the novice. Then it would probably in
troduce him to the stage during his prepara-
ton for the debut and give him in this
way, familiarity with tnat place and the
surroundings which would be, of course, of
great advantage to him. The retired
performer is careful to point out that
another advantage resulting from
studying for a debut under an actor
IS, in case the amateur has not made
business arrangements with the obhg-
ing manner, the actor would most probably
DE induced to give him an opening at his
benefit. This outcome of the relationship
would be very probable where the amateur
has shown talent, and where the amateurs
appearance would 'call out strong array
of personal friends" The writer goes on to
say that when the bargain is made the
actor will give his amateur friend a number
OF tickets to dispose Of, and will open to him
all available facilities for his debut, while
the novice in return will do the best in his
power for the promotion of the actors in
terest on the occasion,
On the subject of benefits in general the
writer deVotes an entire chapter. and some
things which he says go to show that the
tricks OF the profession fifty years ago are
very similar TO those in favor to-day. New
York has been flooded with benefit perform
not only players, but bankrupt managers as
well, theatrical agents and decrepit play
wrlghts, have come forward with testimo-
MAI entertainments, as they are described
IN modern euphelnistic theatrical parlance.
A sTEREoTYPED swINDLE.
Men with no claim ON the theatrical pro-
fession whatever have had the etfrontery to
ask popular performers to appear for their
benefit. OF course the players have refused
In the majority Of cases, and where they
have not had the backbone to do this they
have failed to appear and excuses have been
made for them The result has been that
New ork has within the past two months
been afflicted with about as wretched a
series of Sunday night benefit variety shows
as can be imagined. The swindle of an
nouncing attractions that will not be
on hand was, it seems, quite
general in the old time as it is now, and the
made by the beneficiary under such circum-
stances, beginning: Ladies and gentle
men" and going on to say that he is COM
PEELED, with unfeigned modification, to
announce son the most veritable authority"
that Mr.. -, who was to have enacted the
part of -, was at $3.50 seized with sud
den indisposition, ETC., etc. At the present
time matters are so much improved that the
benefit fend brings doctors certificate and
the affidavit of the nurse.
These old-time benefits were very differ
| emit affairs from the Grub entertainments
such as we know. They were given at the
theatre where the beneficiary was regularly
engaged, and were attended by the friends
he had made by his work through the sea-
| son. The benefit money was part and par
Gel of his yearly salary, and always contem-
plated in his business arrangements with
his manager. When leading men played at
S25 and $50 week, it is small wonder that
they needed a couple of benefits a year to
help them out. Performers in regular stock
companies now, like A. NJ Palmer's or
Days, receive excellent salaries and do not
need benefits, and Of course it is owing to
this fact that the practice has died out.
The retired performer makes the following
observations about benefits;
WHEREIN THE NOVICE Is GREEN.
s'There is nothing, perhaps, among all the
mysteries behind the curtain SO little under
stood by the novice as the terms of taking a
benefit or the proportion which an actor re-
ceives of his benefit receipts. People are apt
to imagine that the beneficiary gets all that
comes into the house, when not infrequently
he gets nothing. The usual terms on which
the performers get their benefit are TO re-
ceive one-quarter, one-third or one-half the
gross receipts of the house or share with the
manager In the latter case, the manager
appropriateS a certain amount for expenses
and divides the remainder. 1t is understood
in all cases that the person taking the bene-
fit is to pay for all extra printing"
Again:
"The most exemplary and genteel plan
can recommend for inSuring a good benefit
Is for the performer always to appear upon
the stage well dressed and perfect in his
part This will secure for him the esteem
and interest of the public. Ascertain which
are the most favorable or lively nights in
the city where you are located and obtain
the best of these. Publish your cards in
most of the leading papers, and the editors
will compliment you with notice on the
day Of the performance in return for your
| advertising patronage"
The modern benefit fiend seldom adver-
tises and expects seven notices week.
The retired performer finishes up his adj
vice to the would-be actor by some memo
randa on how he should conduct himself the
first night of his appearance.
''Should you be very nervous after dress
ing, YOU had best not appear in the green
room, as you will naturally distress or fidget
the performers concerned in the scenes,
which fact will rather tend to aug
ment your malady. Having given the
prompter an opportunity to observe that
you are ready, it is perhaps as well
for you to proceed TO that part of the
stage from which you are to enter and walk
quietly up and down: or, as the play goes on,
observe the ease and GOODNESS with which the
actors go on with their parts and you will
doubtless catch spirit and confidence. Make
your entrance easily and coolly, with your
head or eyes so fixed as to avoid seeing the
footlights, which, until you are accustomed
to them, are apt to bewilder the sight, mag
Nifty every object about and occasion dizzi-
ness and confusion in the brain"
Finally:
"In case any powerful exertion should
cause you to perspire, be careful to avoid
the draughts of air from the scene rooms,
etc, as any sudden chill may occasion a
hoaTseness or a check upon your powers. "
With this wholesome sanitary advice the
'retired performer closes his address to the
novice, having as usual in such cases, set
before his pupil much more on the subject of
what TO do when he got on the stage than
on how to get there, which is the burning
question the novice wants answered.
But what be does he does with a simple
ity and quaintness that makes it very de-
lghttul reading.
Symbols of Charleston's Gratitude.